MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Dana Holgorsen saw progress in those respectable losses to Alabama and Oklahoma. Now West Virginia prepares to host No. 4-ranked Baylor and the coach wants to see something more tangible.
“It’s the third top-five (team) we’ve faced, so let’s try winning one of these at some point,” he said.
West Virginia (4-2, 2-1) had possession with a chance to tie during the fourth quarter of its 33-23 loss to Alabama. Then the Mountaineers were even with Oklahoma at halftime in what became a 45-33 loss.
Having succeeded in late-game situations against Maryland and Texas Tech, Holgorsen must convince West Virginia it can breakthrough against elite teams.
“We’ve competed and we’ve been in those games,” he said. “But let’s practice a little harder, let’s play a little better, let’s be a little bit more motivated to where when we have a chance to win these games in the fourth quarter, we win it. I think we’re getting closer.”
Jeff Sagarin’s USA Today formula shows West Virginia has faced the nation’s 22nd-toughest schedule, a ranking destined for a bump when Baylor (6-0, 3-0) visits Saturday. Upcomers include a road trip to No. 15 Oklahoma State and home matchups against No. 12 TCU and No. 14 Kansas State.
“We’ve got our third top-five team in seven games and I think there’s six top-15 teams that we’re fortunate to have on our schedule,” Holgorsen said. “It makes West Virginia relevant in college football.”
True relevancy, however, necessitates beating some of them.